The chromatin reticulum undergoes several changes during the process of transcription. When a gene is turned on, the chromatin fibers become less tightly wound, allowing for the transcription machinery to access the gene. During transcription, the chromatin fibers become even more unwound, allowing the transcription factors and RNA polymerase to interact with the DNA. Once transcription is completed, the chromatin fibers become more tightly packed, preventing further transcription.